United takes out Sunderland to remain atop EPL

Manchester United brushed aside an overmatched Sunderland in a routine 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday to
ensure Alex Ferguson's side will be top of the Premier League at Christmas
.

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (2-L) celebrates after scoring the third goal with Manchester United's Dutch forward Robin van Persie (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on December 15, 2012.

Photo: Getty Images

Robin van Persie
opened the scoring when he fired into the top left corner in the 16th minute after being set up by
Ashley Young
, and
Tom Cleverley
doubled the advantage by turning in a pass from
Michael Carrick
three minutes later.

Despite several Sunderland chances at the start of the second half, United stretched its lead through
Wayne Rooney
in the 59th when the striker converted a pass from Van Persie. The visitors scored a consolation goal in the 72nd through
Fraizer Campbell
.

The league title has been won by the team that was
top of the standings
at Christmas in
each of the past three seasons
.